Is Rimming Sanitary?
With some preparations, yes — rimming can be sanitary.
Assuming the receiver is eating a balanced diet and has no history of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or a similar condition, anal leakage shouldn’t be an issue — even though poop can happen during anal, rimming doesn’t involve deep penetration.
Basic cleanliness around the anus such as showering and cleaning the area with mild soap and water goes a long way toward reducing dangerous bacteria that might otherwise be present.
But cleanliness doesn’t remove all risks.
The best course of action is to use a dental dam — which is essentially a thin layer of (usually latex) material that goes over the anus.
Think of it as a condom for your tongue.
In fact, Dr. Justin Lehmiller, a sexologist on our medical review board, suggests cutting a condom open and using that in place of a dental dam if you don’t have one handy!
If things are going to get a little more intense and one partner is considering inserting their tongue into the anus of the other, douching is a common practice — although we don’t recommend it because it can potentially do more harm than good.